Information station

Q - I have been working overseas, using mostly US standards to design falsework. Now I am involved on a UK project, where we have responsibility for scaffolding. Could you tell me about the British Standards for imposed loading on the scaffold?

A - The allowable load on working platforms of scaffolds varies depending on the nature of the work. BS5973 details the distributed imposed loads on scaffolds as follows: Service Class 1, 0.75kN/m² (inspection and very light duty access); Service Class 2, 1.50kN/m² (light duty); Service Class 3, 2.00kN/m² (general building work and brickwork) and Service Class 4, 3.00kN/m² (heavy duty, for instance masonry work).

BS 5973 also indicates the allowable number of platforms in use at any one time, and the maximum bay length of the scaffold. If you have more platforms in use, or the scaffold is taller than permitted, then you have to work out the safe scaffold height using the detailed method in the BS5973 Appendix D.

I recommend A Guide to Practical Scaffolding, ref CE 509, published by CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), which gives good guidance on how to use the code Draft prEN 12811 Scaffolds has been published for public review and may partially supersede BS 5973 when fully implemented. For further information and confirmation of latest standards, please contact BSI directly.

Q - What does second and third generation partnering mean? Are they new concepts and where can I find more information?

A -Partnering is part of modern project management and is a set of strategic actions that deliver vast improvements in construction performance. It is driven by a clear understanding of mutual objectives and co-operative decision-making by a number of firms, who are all focused on using the feedback to continuously improve their joint performance.

'Second generation' partnering requires a strategic decision to co-operate in improving joint performance by a client and a group of consultants, contractors and specialists engaged in an ongoing series of projects. The Seven Pillars of Partnering, by John Bennett and Sarah Jayes, provides details of the concept.

'Third generation' partnering sees partners benchmarking performance and setting up joint targets for improvement. Bennett and Jayes' book claims that savings of 50% or more can be achieved, and where speed is crucial construction timeframes can be reduced by 80% or more. There are a number of examples of third-generation partnering in the industry today.

Q - I am a private practising professional thinking of retirement. I have been involved in many projects where I have provided varying services including design, surveying, investigation, planning and feasibility studies. How long do I need to keep my records?

A - The Limitation Act 1980 specifies the basic time limits for keeping documentation. The two which are most likely to apply to you are: Contracts (simple / normal) - six years Contracts (specialty e.g. deed/ seal) - 12 years.

However, you should check your Professional Indemnity Insurance to see what run-off period is noted.

The above time limits apply to England and Wales only.

Different rules apply in Scotland under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Acts 1973 and 1984, which provide for a basic five-year limitation in relation to most contract claims, rather than the six-year period that applies in England and Wales for such claims.